Zeeland Public Schools will hold a parent information expo for those considering enrolling their children in the district for the 2026-27 school year today at the district’s administrative offices, 183 W. Roosevelt Ave.
Two sessions are available for parents: from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Childcare is available at both times.
The expo will give parents an opportunity to learn about the district’s various programming options, including Young Fives, traditional kindergarten, Farm School, Spanish immersion, outdoor learning and more.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year at ZPS begins Jan. 5. For more information, visit zps. org.
Two sessions are available for parents: from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Childcare is available at both times.
The expo will give parents an opportunity to learn about the district’s various programming options, including Young Fives, traditional kindergarten, Farm School, Spanish immersion, outdoor learning and more.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year at ZPS begins Jan. 5. For more information, visit zps. org.
Township Seeks Planning Commissioners
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township is looking to fill openings on the township Planning Commission.
Randy Jarzembowski resigned from the commission with one year left on his term, and Bob Brower, whose term expires Dec. 31, has asked not to be reappointed, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
Another commissioner, Don Steenwyk, resigned in November.
Commissioners review and have the authority to approve all site plans, special land use requests, and reviews. They also make recommendations to the Township Board regarding new or amended ordinance and the five-year township master plan. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Township Hall, 6582 Byron Rd.
No experience is needed to be appointed to the Planning Commission, and the township will provide training materials and opportunities. Members are paid $125 per meeting.
Anyone interested in serving on the Planning /commission may submit a board and commission application that can be found on the township website at zeelandtwp.org, and resume, if desired, to Eggelston at the Township Hall, 6582 Byron Rd., Zeeland, MI 49464, or by email at josh.eggleston@zeelandtwp. org.
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township is looking to fill openings on the township Planning Commission.
Randy Jarzembowski resigned from the commission with one year left on his term, and Bob Brower, whose term expires Dec. 31, has asked not to be reappointed, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
Another commissioner, Don Steenwyk, resigned in November.
Commissioners review and have the authority to approve all site plans, special land use requests, and reviews. They also make recommendations to the Township Board regarding new or amended ordinance and the five-year township master plan. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Township Hall, 6582 Byron Rd.
No experience is needed to be appointed to the Planning Commission, and the township will provide training materials and opportunities. Members are paid $125 per meeting.
Anyone interested in serving on the Planning /commission may submit a board and commission application that can be found on the township website at zeelandtwp.org, and resume, if desired, to Eggelston at the Township Hall, 6582 Byron Rd., Zeeland, MI 49464, or by email at josh.eggleston@zeelandtwp. org.
Hudsonville Man Injured in Blendon Twp. Crash
A 47-year-old Hudsonville man is recovering from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash last Thursday in Blendon Township.
The crash occurred about 7:17 a.m. in the 5300 block of Port Sheldon Street, between 48th Avenue and 56th Avenue.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found a 31-year-old Hudsonville man was driving his 2018 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Port Sheldon when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a westbound 2006 Chevy Impala driven by the 47-year-old Hudsonville man.
The driver of the Impala was pinned in his vehicle and had to be extricated by rescue crews from the Blendon Township Fire Department. He suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Jeep was not hurt, Sgt. Michael Tamminga of the sheriff’s office said.
The crash closed Port Sheldon between 48th and 56th so that the on-scene investigation could be completed.
The crash occurred about 7:17 a.m. in the 5300 block of Port Sheldon Street, between 48th Avenue and 56th Avenue.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found a 31-year-old Hudsonville man was driving his 2018 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Port Sheldon when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a westbound 2006 Chevy Impala driven by the 47-year-old Hudsonville man.
The driver of the Impala was pinned in his vehicle and had to be extricated by rescue crews from the Blendon Township Fire Department. He suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Jeep was not hurt, Sgt. Michael Tamminga of the sheriff’s office said.
The crash closed Port Sheldon between 48th and 56th so that the on-scene investigation could be completed.
Library to Host Holiday Events and Host Movies
The Howard Miller Library and Community Center has several holiday events coming up over the next couple of weeks.
Next Tuesday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a Holiday De-Stress Family Night in the Community Center Banquet Room. It’s an opportunity for families to unwind and relax during the holiday season. The night will include an opportunity to pet and cuddle with a therapy dog, create paper snowflakes and pony bead crafts, and color holiday-themed coloring pages. Soothing holiday music will play in the background.
The library will also host movies on Dec. 22, 23 and 29. The library will show Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” on Dec. 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Dreamworks’ “How To Train Your Dragon” on Dec. 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Center’s Banquet Room as part of its Winter Movie Morning series. The movies are free and open to all ages, and free popcorn will be served.
In addition, on Dec. 23, the library will host a teen holiday movie from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library’s north activity room with the showing of “Home Alone.”
Next Tuesday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a Holiday De-Stress Family Night in the Community Center Banquet Room. It’s an opportunity for families to unwind and relax during the holiday season. The night will include an opportunity to pet and cuddle with a therapy dog, create paper snowflakes and pony bead crafts, and color holiday-themed coloring pages. Soothing holiday music will play in the background.
The library will also host movies on Dec. 22, 23 and 29. The library will show Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” on Dec. 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Dreamworks’ “How To Train Your Dragon” on Dec. 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Center’s Banquet Room as part of its Winter Movie Morning series. The movies are free and open to all ages, and free popcorn will be served.
In addition, on Dec. 23, the library will host a teen holiday movie from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library’s north activity room with the showing of “Home Alone.”
City Council Approves Committee, Board Assignments
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
With a new mayor and three new City Council members taking their offices, the council has determined committee assignments and approved assignments to city boards.
The council on Dec. 1 approved the appointment of new Councilwoman Rebecca Perkins to be the council’s representative on the Planning Commission. Perkins has served on the Planning Commission since 2021, and her appointment as the council’s representative opens up a seat on the commission. Her term will end in December 2029.
The council also approved the appointment of new Councilman Andrew Bult to serve as the council’s representative on the Shopping Area Redevelopment Board (SARB) for a four-year term, expiring in December 2029.
Mayor Rick Van Dorp reappointed Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen to serve as the council’s representatives on the Cemetery and Parks Commission for a two-year term, expiring in December 2027, and reappointed Councilwoman Mary Beth Timmer to a two-year term on the Howard Miller Library Advisory Board, expiring in December 2027.
In addition, the council voted to approve Van Dorp’s appointments to the following standing committees:
Tax Incentive Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Councilman Phung Lam, Councilwoman Amy Langeland (alternate)
Personnel Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Lam, Linda Boerman (BPW Board of Directors) and Mark Cooney (BPW Board of Directors)
Pension Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Andrew Boatright (BPW General Manager), Tim Klunder (City Manager) and Kevin Plockmeyer (Assistant City Manager)
Zeeland Record
With a new mayor and three new City Council members taking their offices, the council has determined committee assignments and approved assignments to city boards.
The council on Dec. 1 approved the appointment of new Councilwoman Rebecca Perkins to be the council’s representative on the Planning Commission. Perkins has served on the Planning Commission since 2021, and her appointment as the council’s representative opens up a seat on the commission. Her term will end in December 2029.
The council also approved the appointment of new Councilman Andrew Bult to serve as the council’s representative on the Shopping Area Redevelopment Board (SARB) for a four-year term, expiring in December 2029.
Mayor Rick Van Dorp reappointed Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen to serve as the council’s representatives on the Cemetery and Parks Commission for a two-year term, expiring in December 2027, and reappointed Councilwoman Mary Beth Timmer to a two-year term on the Howard Miller Library Advisory Board, expiring in December 2027.
In addition, the council voted to approve Van Dorp’s appointments to the following standing committees:
Tax Incentive Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Councilman Phung Lam, Councilwoman Amy Langeland (alternate)
Personnel Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Lam, Linda Boerman (BPW Board of Directors) and Mark Cooney (BPW Board of Directors)
Pension Committee: Van Dorp, Gruppen, Andrew Boatright (BPW General Manager), Tim Klunder (City Manager) and Kevin Plockmeyer (Assistant City Manager)
